Geelong on track to record worst year for flesh-eating ulcer

Geelong is on track to notch its worst year on record for cases of a flesh-eating ulcer.

Geelong is on track to notch up its worst year on record for cases of a flesh-eating ulcer.

The infection, known as the Buruli or Bairnsdale ulcer and caused by mycobacterium ulcerans, can eat away skin and fat cells, and cause gangrene and tissue loss.

Greater Geelong has recorded 30 cases of mycobacterium ulcerans so far this year – double the 15 recorded over the same period last year.

A Buruli Ulcer.

And Greater Geelong could surpass its highest annual total, which was 35 cases recorded in 2012, according to state health department data stretching back to the 1990s.

Barwon Health infectious diseases specialist Associate Professor Daniel O’Brien said it was “very possible” Greater Geelong will this year surpass its highest annual figure.

“While it’s more common to catch this infectious disease in the warmer months, as people spend more time outdoors, there is an incubation period of four to six months so people tend to present with the ulcer in the cooler months,” Prof O’Brien said.

The Surf Coast has recorded two cases of mycobacterium ulcerans so far this year, and the Borough of Queenscliffe six.

Local GP and Western Victoria Primary Health Network clinical spokeswoman Dr Anne Stephenson said it was always concerning when the occurrence of any disease increased.

“Buruli Ulcer can be very distressing and debilitating and often presents with ulceration and skin loss, as the toxins released by the Mycobacterium ulcerans bacteria destroy skin and small blood vessels and fat beneath the skin,” Dr Stephenson said.

“The ulcer generally increases in size over time, but the loss of skin and tissue can be minimised with early diagnosis and treatment.

“GPs are a key part of the team of health practitioners who need to be involved to successfully treat this condition, which can take a considerable amount of time.”

Dr Stephenson said while the exact cause of human infection is unknown, the timing of people contracting Buruli suggested it is spread by insects, particularly mosquitoes.

“Research has shown a correlation between humans contracting Buruli ulcer and the presence of mosquitoes and possums carrying the Mycobacterium ulcerans bacteria,” she said.

“It is also thought that the bacteria might be present in soil.”

Dr Stephenson said despite the overall risk of infection still being low, it’s sensible to protect yourself from potential sources of infection such as soil and insect bites.

She said to reduce the risk people can:

USE suitable insect repellents;

WEAR protective clothing such as gardening gloves, long-sleeved shirts and long pants if working outdoors; and,

WASH scratches or cuts received when working outdoors promptly and then protect them with a Band-Aid.

She said people should see their doctor if they have a slow-healing skin lesion and should mention the possibility of Buruli ulcer.

Originally published as Geelong on track to record worst year for flesh-eating ulcer